Assam: Martyrs’ memorial in Margherita bazaar encroached, lies in neglect

A Martyrs’ Memorial, built in 1956 at Margherita Bazaar to honour the valiant freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India’s independence, is now languishing in neglect and encroachment. Once a revered site of homage and patriotism, it has today become a symbol of apathy and disrespect.

The memorial, constructed by distinguished citizens of the region, now lies in a dilapidated state, surrounded by filth and unauthorised business activity. Traders, shopkeepers, and businessmen have not only encroached upon the land surrounding the memorial but have also been accused of turning the sacred site into a dumping ground. Spitting of betel nut, tobacco stains, and rampant littering have deeply shocked the conscious section of society.

Although the North Eastern Coalfields (Coal India Ltd), Margherita, had constructed a small boundary wall around the memorial decades ago, the structure has deteriorated significantly. Cracks have appeared, and the wall now stands in a crumbling condition, unable to protect the sanctity of the site.

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According to the Margherita Bazaar Committee, multiple shops have illegally extended their businesses onto the land earmarked for the memorial, operating in a chaotic and disrespectful manner. The situation has made it difficult to organise national events like Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti at the site due to space constraints and unhygienic surroundings.

Despite repeated complaints submitted to the Co-District Administration, the Margherita Municipal Board, and local MLA Bhaskar Sharma, no concrete action has been taken so far.

President of the Margherita Bazaar Committee, Santosh Chetry, expressed grief and disappointment over the state of affairs. He strongly condemned the irresponsible behavior of the local business community and called on all traders and shopkeepers to uphold their civic duty by maintaining cleanliness around the memorial.

Speaking to the media, Chetry also made a heartfelt appeal to Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. He urged the CM to launch a decisive campaign—similar to the state’s crackdown on illegal beef trade—to reclaim and restore the sanctity of the Martyrs’ Memorial in Margherita.

Various social organisations and local residents have joined in the call, demanding urgent steps to preserve the dignity of this historic site and to ensure that the legacy of India’s brave martyrs is not forgotten or disrespected.